VIDO-InterVac will use a decontamination procedure called vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization - a procedure VIDO-InterVac routinely uses to decontaminate its rooms and equipment in its containment Level 3 facility.

First Nations protecting residents

Many Saskatchewan First Nations are taking steps to protect residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, even with low case numbers in the province’s indigenous communities so far.

According to Dr. Ibrahim Khan, a health surveillance doctor with Indigenous Service Canada, of Saskatchewan’s 278 confirmed COVID-19 cases, four were from First Nations communities.

The comment came after a letter from the federal government was circulated among provincial leaders.

During a news conference Thursday, when asked about the letter Premier Scott Moe confirmed its existence but would not go into detail about what it said.

"I won't comment to the content of the letter and we have had discussions with the federal government with respect to the use of the Emergencies Act federally. In saying that, Saskatchewan would remain steadfast as been to this point at in time - not specifically against the use of the act, but we do not see the need for the use of the federal Emergencies Act at this point in time," Moe said.

Help for Sask. small businesses

The province of Saskatchewan is introducing an Emergency Support Program for small businesses.

Legions under strain

“We’re in uncharted waters,” said Roberta Alton, affiliate member on the executive board of Legion Branch 63 in Saskatoon.

Strict guidelines mean a branch’s only source of income to pay the bills are from hall rentals, fundraising and running a restaurant and bar, and the pandemic has meant those funds are no longer coming in.

City expects COVID-19 restrictions to remain in place for several weeks at least

During the news conference, the city's emergency planning director Pamela Goulden-McLeod said the restrictions that have brought many aspects of city life to a standstill are expected to last for weeks.

“In all of the modelling we’re looking at a minimum of several more weeks following the current measures, these must be followed aggressively,” she said.

With public restrictions likely to stay in effect into the summer months, city manager Jeff Jorgenson said the city will not be opening and public pools or spray pads until it has received direction from the province that it's safe to do so.

"On a moment's notice, if the province lifts restrictions, as soon as we're medically able to lift those restrictions, we will be ready (to open them up)," Jorgenson said.

While their work saves lives, he saves their ears

Using a 3D printer, a Saskatoon man is joining people across the country in making what are called “ear savers” for healthcare workers.

When healthcare workers wear masks for long periods of time with the straps behind their ears, the straps can cause discomfort and even bleeding.

“I’ve been spending hours to get ready for that three-hour intensive exam and especially just this past month being in school I was prepping a lot. Now we are told it is going to be reduced to a 45-minute exam online.”

Lessons from a century-old pandemic

The Spanish influenza pandemic reached Prince Albert in October of 1918, not long after other large Canadian cities reported cases of it. A Prince Albert historian says there is much to learn from the century-old pandemic.

Sask. food banks ask for donations

About one in 10 Battleford area residents received food hampers in March, according to Food Banks of Saskatchewan.

“The demand for food will be significant in the coming weeks and months, but I have been involved with this program for 15 years and one thing I know is that our community and our province will always step up when called upon," Battlefords District executive director Erin Katerynych said in a news release.